Maintenance/Service Recommendations

Oil, Filters and Fluids

Why do I need this service?

Periodic oil and filter changes keep your engine clean on the inside. Dust, metallic shavings, condensation and even anti-freeze can contaminate motor oil. Additives, which break down over time, are also subject to contamination.

Other car fluids may require periodic replacement. For example, the majority of automatic transmission failures are heat-related, and automatic transmission fluid breaks down rapidly when subjected to high temperatures. Your car owner's manual may specify periodic flushing and filling of the brake hydraulic system because contaminated brake fluid may lead to erosion and other problems in the hydraulic system, especially on cars with antilock brakes (ABS).

Typical Service

• Change oil and filter every 3,000 miles or three months.
• If you regularly make short trips in your car, drive in stop-and-go traffic, idle for extended periods, drive in dusty or dirty air conditions, tow a trailer or live in cold weather region, it is important to stay within the 3,000 mile oil change intervals.
• Fuel filter should be replaced every 2 years or 24,000 miles, and should be periodically inspected to see if it's restriced or water contaminated.
• Engine air filter should be replaced annually or when torn, water or oil soaked, dirty, or showing other signs or wear.
• Automatic transmission fluid should be checked with engine running and transmission in park, and changed every 2 years or 24,000 miles for maximum performance.
• Power steering fluid should be checked with car warmed up. If frequent topping off it required, you should have your car inspected for leaks and have the fluid replaced if contaminated.
• Cabin filter should be replaced annually, or more often in areas with heavy airborne contaminants or whenever heating or cooling efficiency is reduced.
• Coolant should be checked at the reservoir, but never open a hot radiator cap! It should be changed annually on most vehicles, and if you find that you have to keep topping it off to keep it full, have your cooling system inspected for leaks.

Belts and Hoses

Why do I need this service?

It’s not easy to know the true condition of a belt or hose by its outward appearance because most belts and hoses fail from the inside out. Rubber hoses can become hard and brittle, deteriorating with age and exposure to heat, causing the hose to split, blister, or leak. Belts also break down with heat, mileage and age. Every time a belt passes around a pulley, it bends. Flexing produces heat that causes the rubber to harden over time. In addition, if the belt is loose or slips, the wear process can be accelerated.

Typical Service

• Hoses should be checked for age hardening or softening by pinching. Any hose that feels rock hard or mushy is due for replacement. Leaking, visible cracks, blistering or any other visible damage on the outside of the hose would also indicate need for replacement.
• V-belts should be replaced every three to four years or 40,000 to 50,000 miles.
• V-belts and serpentine belts should be checked for looseness.
• Replace the timing belt based on the interval specified in the owner's manual, typically between 60,000 to 90,000 miles-not replacing the belt as required could cause a breakdown or serious engine damage.

Brake Service

Why do I need this service?

Brakes are a normal wear item for any car. Eventually, they're going to need to be replaced for both performance and safety reasons. Planning can also save you money-your brakes won't get to the "metal-to-metal" point, which usually means accelerating expensive rotor or drum replacement.

Your car owner's manual might specify periodic flushing and filling of the brake hydraulic system. Contaminated brake fluid may lead to erosion and other problems in the hydraulic system, especially on cars with anti-lock brakes.

Typical Service

• Have your brakes inspected at each oil change.
• The parking brake should also be checked for proper operation and adjustment. In some cases, the parking brake shoes/pads may need replacement.

Tune-Up

Why do I need this service?

A well-tuned engine delivers the best balance of power and fuel economy and produces the lowest level of emissions. Modern engines compensate for worn parts to a degree, giving you a sense that everything is fine with your car. A routine tune-up will restore your car to its normal operating state, and contribute to the overall efficiency of the engine and emissions system.

Typical Service

• Based on spark plug type, the replacement interval can range from 30,000 to 100,000 miles.
• Replace oxygen sensor at interval as recommended in owner's manual, or when "Check Engine" light is on, it might indicate that the oxygen sensor(s) are no longer functioning properly. 1996 and newer cars have more than one oxygen sensor.
• Replace any other ignition system and/or emissions system parts that may be needed or recommended.

Wheels and Tires

Why do I need this service?

To maximize tire life and safety, check tire condition and inflation pressure regularly and have the tires rotated and balanced.  Any uneven wear on your tire tread can indicate a problem with inflation levels or balance, and will make your tires wear out more quickly.

Typical Service

• Check tire inflation at least once a month.
• Rotate your tires every 6,000 miles. rotation serves as a good time to have the tires balanced. Unbalanced wheels can cause rapid wear of shock absorbers and struts, and wheel balance can change as a result of normal tire wear.

Exhaust System

• Inspect for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise.
• Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.

Battery and Cables

• If the battery is three years old or more, it should be tested and replaced if necessary.
• Battery connection should be clean, tight, and corrosion-free.